The clash between Columbus Crew and Nashville SC at Lower.com Field, marking Week 4 of the MLS, culminated in a tight 1-0 victory for the visitors. Hany Mukhtar found the back of the net in the 48th minute of the second half, securing the win for Nashville.
In the first half, Columbus Crew came close when forward Max Arfsten’s shot hit the post, leaving the home side yearning for a goal.
Hany Mukhtar was undoubtedly the standout player, not only scoring the decisive goal but also attempting two shots on goal. Cristian Espinoza also put in a solid performance for Nashville SC, contributing two shots of his own.
Columbus Crew’s coach, Henrik Rydstrom, set up his starting eleven in a 4-3-3 formation with Patrick Schulte in goal; Malte Amundsen, Rudy Camacho, Steven Moreira, and Andrés Herrera forming the defense; André Gomes, Sean Zawadzki, and Taha Habroune in midfield; and a front three of Max Arfsten, Diego Rossi, and Wessam Abou Ali.
Nashville’s head coach, B. J. Callaghan, opted for the same 4-3-3 setup, fielding Brian Schwake between the posts; Josh Bauer, Jack Maher, Maxwell Woledzi, and Daniel Lovitz in defense; Bryan Acosta, Alex Muyl, and Edvard Tagseth in midfield; and Ahmed Qasem, Warren Madrigal, and Woobens Pacius at the front.
The match was officiated by referee Fotis Bazakos.
Looking ahead, Columbus Crew will have a break in the next round to refresh, while Nashville SC has no scheduled matches in this league.
Substitutions for Columbus Crew
63’ 2H – André Gomes off for Dylan Chambost
76’ 2H – Taha Habroune off for Jamal Thiare and Josh Bauer off for Andy Nájar
87’ 2H – Max Arfsten off for Hugo Picard
Yellow Card for Columbus Crew:
5’ 2H – Malte Amundsen (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Nashville SC
45’ 2H – Ahmed Qasem off for Hany Mukhtar and Woobens Pacius off for Sam Surridge
60’ 2H – Bryan Acosta off for Patrick Yazbek
66’ 2H – Warren Madrigal off for Cristian Espinoza
Yellow Cards for Nashville SC:
9’ 1H – Jack Maher (Unsporting behavior), 40’ 1H – Ahmed Qasem (Unsporting behavior), 41’ 1H – Woobens Pacius (Unsporting behavior), 26’ 2H – Josh Bauer (Unsporting behavior) and 42’ 2H – Andy Nájar (Unsporting behavior)